Rains

Lush greenery, the stormy seas and heavy showers greet you as you enter Goa during the rains and offer a different side to it. Thankfully, Goa does not totally shut down in the monsoons, as it used to in the past. There are loads of shops, shacks and restaurants that are open even during the monsoons and if you are still not convinced we are giving you ten reasons to head here during this period.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Beautiful high waterfall on the goa near where Passing trains

One of the most popular attractions of the state during the monsoon is the Dudhsagar waterfalls. It looks truly spectacular during this season. Perched on top of high peaks of the Western Ghats, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Also, called ‘sea of milk’, the Dudhsagar Falls is almost 600 metre high, which you can see from a long distance away.

If you are coming by road or train, you can spend time watching the waterfall, post which you can hike up and return on the same day. Although it is an easy 12 kilometer trek through tunnels and forests, be careful and wear sturdy shoes as during monsoon, the path can be quite slippery. You can also camp here for the night, if you want.

Popular attractions, minus the crowds

Beautiful Goa beach

At any other given time, Goa is extremely crowded. But during the monsoon, the crowds disappear and the state takes on a whole new shade. Plus, with the beaches attracting less people, you can literally spend hours at beaches, without having to tackle the touristy crowds. There are many hidden gems in the state including Divar Island that you can visit as well.

The Rich Wildlife Of Goa

Panorama of the mountain river in the jungle, Morning, India, Goa

Despite being the smallest state in India, Goa is home to an incredible array of fauna, from the blazing kingfishers that are normally found in the paddy fields to the damselfish and barracuda that shimmer and dance in the rivers of Goa to water buffaloes that are a livestock for villagers in the region. Other wilder inhabitants in the state are gaurs (Indian bison), porcupines, wild boar, the occasional pangolin (scaly anteater) or leopard, and troops of langur monkeys. Take a trip to the inland islands of the state, and you might get lucky and spot crocodiles, otters, and bird-life, whose names alone – Ceylon frogmouth, fairy bluebird – make the trip worthwhile.

If you are looking to visit national parks, Goa has you sorted on that front as well. Since the sanctuaries in Goa are open all through the year, you can visit them even during the monsoon season. Some of Goa’s popular wildlife sanctuaries are the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in North Goa near Valpoi. This sanctuary has a large number of Bengal Tigers and is set to become a Project Tiger Reserve. The Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is also a popular wildlife sanctuary, which is situated in Mollem along the Goa Karnataka border. Another sanctuary you must visit is the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which boasts of a deer park, a mini zoo, as well as many beautiful nature trails which are perfect for hikes.

Travel & accommodation becomes more affordable

Budget travel in Goa during monsoons

Budget travel is never easy and if you are looking to travel to Goa, within a specific budget, then monsoon is the best time to visit this place. This is particularly true for flight tickets, rail travel, and even food and rented scooter that cost anything between INR 175-250. Many resorts and hotels also offer heavy discount, some of them even offering up to 50% discount. Do you even need more reasons to plan your trip?

Local festivals

Festival of Goa, Ghumat troupe

One of the most prominent festivals of Goa, Sao Joao takes place in the month of June. A piece of Portuguese heritage from Goa’s colonial past, the São João festival toasts St John the Baptist, harbinger of Jesus. To celebrate the festival, people jump into wells and dowse passers-by with water. Once they jump into the well, they retrieve bottles of feni (local liquor of the state), post which there is a lot of dancing and singing. It is a unique experience and highly recommended for travellers, who want to experience a slice of the local culture.

Unwind and relax

Woman sitting on beach sand and relaxing at sunset time

Goa is an idyllic destination and visiting it during monsoons gives you a chance to soak in the beauty of the place, without having to fill your itinerary with a host of activities. The rainy season means that travellers can just enjoy the scenic vistas from the balcony of their room or balcony.

Read a book with a cup of coffee, take a long walk on the beach, play a few indoor games and enjoy the panoramic vistas outside. If you are an active traveller, then hike up to the fort (we recommend Fort Chapora) where you can enjoy the amazing view of rain crashing into the ocean. Whatever you do, this is the ideal way to refresh your mind and body!

Spice Plantations

Wooden Plates full of Indian and Ayurvedic Spices at Outdoor Bazaar

There is something truly memorable about going offbeat in Goa. And if you agree with us, make sure you book a visit to spice plantations during your next getaway here. Some of the major spices grown here include Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Ginger and Pepper. Highly recommended by locals, these plantations truly come alive during the monsoon and it is also a good place to pick some authentic spices for your home and kitchen. A traditional Goan lunch usually follows.

If that does not interest you, head to the Tropical Spice Plantation, where you can spend time bir- watching {Tropical Spice Plantation is home to over 70 species of birds} or bathing elephants at Sahakari Spice Farm. Both these farms are close to the Butterfly Conservatory {or Mystic Meadows as it locally known}. There, they have recreated a slice of tropical forest to allow more than 100 species of butterflies to roam freely.

Rafting & Adventure Activities

White water rafting on Mhadei River, Goa

Swimming is not recommended in the rains because of the stronger currents and rough tides, but there are still plenty of adventure sports activities here for the active traveller. Take your pick from trekking, hiking, bird watching, and white water rafting on Mhadei River, which gains momentum during the monsoon. The best part is that all this rafting is done along the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, which makes it truly unique and special.

Food, especially sea-food

Asian seafood curry stew in clay pottery on a wooden table.

Are you a foodie? Goa is a great place for food, especially sea food, since the catch is really fresh.We recommends Fat Fish in Baga which remains open even during the monsoons. The restaurant has a very pleasant vibe, and it is fun to watch the rainfall {monsoon-season} while sipping a beer or two with your friends here.

This place also specializes in the fish thali, so remember to give it a try. Apart from that you may also try their crabmeat soup and fry prawns, they too are delish!

Cycling

Bicycle on the beach near palm trees and ocean at sunset

Unleash your inner wanderer and explore Goa on cycles that you can rent from various places. Plus, a bike tour is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, and experience the sights and sounds of a new city. Designed for people with different capabilities, you can pick the kind of tour and terrain you and your friends or spouse would enjoy together.

V Tip: Take a trip around the back roads of Porvorim – down to Pomburpa and Olaulim. It doesn’t have beaches but the riverside and the fields make it a worth it.

Essentials: With 4 spacious rooms, common room, kitchen and two terraces, V Resorts Three Kings Casa Coco is a good base to explore the coastal town. It’s an ideal space to unwind from the bustle of city life.